NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 10 best head coaching hires of 2022 offseason

5. Sean Miller (Xavier)

Xavier is one of those programs that served as a launching point for a number of successful coaching careers, much like previously mentioned Murray State. The difference now is that these Musketeers are in the Big East; they’re no longer a mid-major darling, but instead expected to contend for postseason success on a regular basis. Travis Steele couldn’t quite accomplish that task these last four years, leaving Xavier to turn towards someone familiar who could.

Miller spent the first five years of his head coaching career with the Musketeers, winning 120 games and four NCAA Tournament bids, including an Elite Eight run in 2008. He’d then spend twelve solid years at Arizona, appearing in three more Elite Eights, but could never quite get the Wildcats over the hump. Fired in 2021, Miller has spent the last twelve months out of the coaching world but is certainly ready to jump back with the Musketeers.

Xavier hadn’t fired a head coach for decades, but they’re making a smart move entrusting the program with an established name like Miller. He was successful at Arizona, especially as a recruiter, though some violations and inconsistency in recent years led to his dismissal. He’s back in familiar territory at Xavier and immediately brings credibility back to this program. The Big East suddenly has some power among the head coaches; don’t be surprised to see Xavier back near the top of the standings after a lull.